Reenforced concrete structure



Dec. 25, 1934. c, H, ROY

REENFRCED CONCRETE STRUCTURE Filed May 24, 1954Y il @mama/9 w... m a.

INVENroR.

BY :j

l ATTORNEYS.

Patented Dec. 25, 1934 PATENT OFFICE.

, Cleveland, Ovhio Applicatiqamay a4, 1934, serialivq, 727,359

.f1.6 claims.

"I 'his inventionas indicated, relates. to al -`reenforced concrete' structure. More.' lparticularly, it comprise`s a reenforcedskeletonized concrete structure adaptedto serve as adam, levee, reservoir, orthelike. vThe structure is intended 'to be used in place 'of mass concrete structures, earth embankments, .or compositey structures of various types,- and to provide a stable yet lessA costly structure than `canfbe, installed by other methods for` constructions of ,equal service, life.

f 1 `lheinvention is.in t endecl` to providestructures which .maybe erected upon soil independently of rock or. pile` foundations and can be maintained inl .continuous permanent,,service upon soils of varying Apressure valuel `'Lflie ystructure Vitselfis ness .equal `to' a, mass concrete, structure of much greater Weight or ,to a` structure securelyfan- Z chored .to heavy foundationsgj Veconomy or construction` of this. type of structure is very greatand 'the savingsV madepossible over other4 types in the way. of. materialsv and labor ,as wellY as time of Lconstruetionmakes it' highly desirable 25 for, projects wherein the cost `of the installation is ofY controlling importance and 'v vhichy nevertheless makes heavy service demands Vupon the structure. The cost of .maintenance is negligible inasmuch as Athe structure will .haveanf adequate factor ofsafety, for all specia`l stresses such as icepressurafloods, and the like. fHeretofore lit, has been. the :practice in con` structing dams of great height intended to hold back large bodies `of water, `tense mass" or cellular 35 reenforced concretesuch fdams beingsupported upon ,heavy.,foundations. andA anchored in rock sidewalls wherever possible. -Such constructions,

however, are entirely vtoo expensive for use jin impoundlrlgf Water overlarge relatively hat areas 40 when ,the structures aremore the nature of levees and vvvhereit isimpossible to secure adequate lrock lfoundation'andwherein the providing of pile foundations is .not "warranted by the economic circiunstances controllingthe installation. It has..` also `'been th'epractifce to ,provide inclined concrete walls supported upon inclined struts extendingto` pile` feundations. 'In other cases it v,has been Athe practice to provide inclined wal-lesupportedby buttresseswhich in mosti, instances `were, required to .be splayed adjacent their lower portions so'as to cover extended areas or suchbuttresses have been supported on heavy concrete pads. l,All of such constructions have been relatively expensive, and in-many instances 55; the `onlyproteetion available vfor certain areas of relativelylight weight', but owing to its cantii lever form .of `construction willghave an effective# the earth levee which in .its unprotected form. is always subject .toI erosion,. particularly during timesofflood and istherefore a source of danger to lives and property inthe vicinity.

The present invention. is intended to obviate the difficulties referred to and provide an inexpensive thoroughly dependable concrete structure which is not only cheap to -install butwhichhas a .permanent service life equal to `much more costly structures and which will be able to withstand any` degree of flood andto resist theerosive-ac-f tion of` swift flowing water in times of V,emergencies. l l i The `principal object of the present invention is .to provide a` reenforced concrete structure which does not require separate foundation supporting structures` or piling, and wherein cantileveraction is madeuse oi to resist stresses which may be imposed `upon the structure and prevent displacement thereof. f

Another` object ofthe inventionais to provide a concrete structurel whichy may be erectedby means of portable'forms whereinv the work may be progressively installed without `undue expense for equipment. f' f f A further object of the invention is-,to `provide a structure Aadapted -for use either as a dam, levee, reservoinl yor the like,u which will .require, the minimum amount of material for its construction, and-which willpresent the maximumamount of resistance to `fracture, or displacement forgthe maximum loads which may be imposed-upon the structure. l i

, Another object voftheinvention is 4to provide a structurewherein -spillways are inexpensively 5 formed and .wherein the structure itself is protected against injury Vthrough overflow or under- Cutting. 1.

. `Otherand,f-urtl'zer objects of the invention will appear in the course of the following description.

'I oA the` accomplishment, of the Vforegoing' and relatedy ends, said invention, then, consistsof the mean`shereinafteriully described and particu` larly pointed `out in theclaims, the annexed drawing and. the following description setting forth in detail certain structures embodying theinvention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but several of various forms in which the principle of the invention maybe used.

i In said annexeddrawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective viewshowing a structure embodying the principles of the invention; Figure 2 isa top plan view, partly in section, takenalong theline 3-.3, shown inFigure 1, lookingin the direction` ofthe arrows; 55

Cfr

und..

f at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees in orderto approximate the maximum of economy of material with an adequate degree of resistance to displacement. The slab is supported at its forward edge upon the upper end of a reenforced cut-olf wall 2 and merges with a reenforced floor or apron 3 adapted to act as a cantilever and extending to any desired Vdistance in advance of the cut-off wall to protect the wall against erosion. Whenthe structure is used to form a reservoir, it is customary to provide a concrete door for the reservoir and the apron in such event is continued over the entire area within the space defined by the walls. l

Wherethe ground pressure is close to the limit of adequate supporting capacity, it is .frequently desirable to provide the structure with a row of sheet piling 4 immediately in advance of the cutoifwall, such sheet piling being frequently designated a tight-row.

The inclined slap is provided centrally of its under side with a longitudinal extension 5 of reenforced concrete against the under face of which, inclined struts 6 bear at intervals, as will be presently explained. The longitudinal extension, together with the adjacent area 7 of the slab structure may have reenforcing elements in the form of rods 8 and stirrups 9, to provide in Aeiect la longitudinal girder having a high degree of strength extending alongthe entire central varea of the slab. Fillets 10 are preferably kformed on the under side of the slab adjacent the extension. The slab itself may be formed of greater thickness below such longitudinal extension and' above said extensionmay be formed of lesser thickness or may be tapered fromf'the thickness of thelower;

portion to a predetermined thickness adjacent the i upper edge in accordance with the water pressure ratios for the 'corresponding elevations.

'The upper edge of the concrete slab is kpreferablyformed with an upstanding parapet or ledge 1l, which, as shown in the 'second panel inll'igure 1, may be cut away so as to vform a spillway 12 in the event the, water against the inclined slab rises toa pointabove the estimated capacity of the structure. A protecting member ora sluiceway 13 is provided beneath the spillway to direct the loveriiow away vfrom the footings so as to prevent erosion at such point. If desired, valves (not shown) may 'open from said sluiceways through the adjacentrslab area for ood control, water -level regulation, or other purposes. Immediately beneath the parapet the inclined slab is formed with a reenforced longitudinal girder extension 14, the structure forming with the parapet and the reenforcing elements, shown as rods 15 and stirrups 16, a veri, tical girder adapted to provide a high degree -of strength to the structure. y

The inclined slab is supported at its Alower end, as stated, upon the cut-off wall and is supported at its intermediate portion by means of .l a series of inclined struts 6 bearing against the longitudinal girder and preferably at equal intervals Ais supported as to its upper portion by a series of vertical struts 17 bearingagainstthe under face of the top girder. The inclined slab',

C in' addition to the longitudinal reenforcing rods,

y23 is inclined upwardly so as pressure which would interfere with its cantiis provided with reenforcing rods 18 extending at right angles to said longitudinal rods, the alternate rods of the series of rods 18 being turned outwardly into the apron adjacent its upper surface, and the remaining rods of said series being turned downwardly into the cut-Gif Wall adjacent its forward surface. This lprovides for cantilever action by both the apron and the cut-off wall.

of .the soil upon which it is supported. The

isolated footings are preferably formed within trenches which may be below the frost line or the structure may be subsequently coveredwith earth to the necessary degree to protect the footing from frost beneath its lower surface. The footings as shown are of rectangular construction and are joined to each other by means of longitudinal ties which may be in the form of reenforced concrete girders or ground beams 22.

The isolated footings are connected by means of cantilever tie beams 23 with the cut-orf wall adjacent the base of the inclined slab, the upper surface of the tie beam being preferably in the plane of the floor in advance of the cut-off wall and in the plane of the top of the isolated footings. The under face of the cantilever beam y to be free of earth lever action, IEach of the isolated footings extends rearwardly of the point of support of the vertical and inclined structures to a greater extent than forwardly thereof so as to provide for forward' rocking action of the structure when heavy weight is placed upon the inclined slab. This action is carried into the cut-off Wall by means of the cantilever tiebeam which is suitably' reenforced with steel bars 24, and stirrups 25, the reenforcing steel bars being positioned adjacent the lowerA and upper surfaces of the beam, the steel bars `in the lower portions taking the tensile strains. The amount of reenforcing'placed within the structure is to be calculated according tothe particular strains to resist, and ordinarily no reenforcing or very little reenforcing is required in neutral points of the structure.

When a reservoir is constructed, it is frequently desirable to provide means for supporting a cover thereover and in such event both the i'solated footings and the cut-off wall may serve as piers upon which columns vfor the support of the roof or covering for the reservoir may be erected. Likewise, Where an open reservoir is to be provided, it is frequentlyv desirable to have a concrete walk erected about the margins of thebasin and in such event columns may be carried upwardly from the parapet and from an adjacent portion of the inclined slab and a concrete walk installed at such point.

The various sizes of thev structural elements and the spacing of the footings and struts may be varied in accordance with the service which theQstructure is intended to provide. For structures intended for use as levees, isolated footings at twelve foot intervals will provide sections or bays of suicient strength to serve all ordinary purposes, the footings in the event satisfactory ground pressure is available being apwhich it isv l sian being apiomunten les inches" tnieki` adjacent its lowerV 'section andof lesser-thickness adjacentits upper ',section; The 'footing and the cantilever tiebean are preferablyforined in sha1-- low trenches and a tapered* form i's used tol pro` videthe inclined under" face of the cantilever tie beam, such for-in being left` in thetrench and having no supportingeffectfor the structure as a Vifvhole after the cantilever ti'ebeani is completed. "It is impotanttoprevent'ground pressure bearingagainstthe Linder face of the cantilever rtie beam'and withcertain types of 'soil itmay be" necessary to provide a wallV ofk sheet piling or like constructionV to prevent interference withthefree cantilever action of such beams. TheV entire structure is free of uplift pressure vat alltinies, being av skeletonized form of construction and having no'l extended solid masses to confine water beneath the same which might bring into action displacement by hydraulic pressure.

` Other modes ofA applying the principle of hmy invention may be employed instead of the one explained1 change being made"v as regards the Structure herein disclc'lsed, provided the means Stated by any of the following claims o1' the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

JI therefore particularly pointout andv distinctly claim as myi'nvention:

A' Y'reer'iforcecl'v concrete structure having an inclined slab, a supportfor the forward edge of said slab comprising a continuous cut-ff wall extendingl into the earth,` supports for the upper portion of said slabinl the form of struts at spaced intervals, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, and cantilever beams connecting said footingsrwith said cut-oii` wall and slab.

2.l A'reenforced concrete structure having an inclined slab, a support for the forward edge of said slab comprising aV continuousfcut-off wall extending into the earth, Supports for the upper portion of saidslab in thefform` of struts'at spaced yintervals, v neenforced rconcrete footings beneath saidI struts; longitudinal tie members p connecting said respective footings, and canti- A lever beams connecting said footings with said cut-off wall and slab. l

3. A reenforced concrete structure having an inclined slab, a support for the forward edge of said slab comprising a continuous cut-off wall extending into the earth, an integral longitudinal girder formed on the slab above said forward edge, struts at spaced intervals connected with said integral longitudinal girder, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, and cantilever beams connecting said footings with said cut-off Wall and slab.`

4. A reenforced concrete structure having an inclined slab, a .support for the forward edge of said slab comprising a continuous cut-off wall extending into the earth, a plurality of integral longitudinal girders formed on the slab above said forward edge, struts at spaced intervals connected with said respective integral longitudinal girders, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, and cantilever beams connecting said footings with said cut-off wall and slab.

5. A reenforced concretestructurehaving an inclined slab, a support for the forward edge of said slab comprising a continuous cut-off wall extending into the earth, an integral longitudinal girder formed on the slab above said forward edge, struts at spaced intervals connected with said integral longitudinal girder, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, longitudinal tic `members connecting said respectiveA footings, and cantilevei`A` beams connecting said' footings with saidfcut-oif walll andlslab'.

`6. A'reenforced concrete structurehaving an inclined slab, a support for theforwardedge ofsaid slab comprising a continuous Vcut-off wall extending into the earth, a support for the upper portion? of saidlslab inthe form of struts at spaced intervals,` reenforced concrete Vfootings beneath said struts and` extendingreaiwardly from the point of support for said struts a greater distance than forwardly therefrom, and cantilever beams connectingv said footings withl said cut-off wall and slab. l

7l. A reenforced `concrete structure having an inclined slab, a support for the forward edge ofA said slab comprising a continuous cut-off wall' extending' into the earth, a support for the upper portion of saidslab in the form of struts at spaced intervals, reenforced concrete footings be-V neath said struts and extending rearwardly from the point of support for said struts La greaterdise tance than forwardly tltierefrom,` and cantilever` beams connecting said footings with said cut-off wall and slab, said cantilever beams comprising transverse girders having the under sides thereof tapered upwardlytoward said cut-off wall and having reenforcing tension members inthe lower inclined portion of said cantilever beams.

SQA reenforcedv concrete structure having an inclined "slab, a support for the forward edge of said slab comprising a continuous cut-off wall' extendlnginto the earth, an apron formed as a horizontal continuation of said slab and mergf ing with; the upper portion of said cut-oil? wall, supports@ for the upper portion of said slab in the forrnofestruts at spaced intervals, reenforced i concrete footings beneath said struts, and canti# lever beams connecting said footings with said cut-`of`f wall and slab.

9. A reenforced concrete structure having an inclined slab, `a support for the forward edge `of said `slabcomprising a continuous out-olf wall extending intothe earth, an apron formed as a horizontal continuation of said slab and merging with the upper portion of said cut-off wall, longitudinal reenforcing bars at spaced intervals in said inclined slab, reenforcing bars at right angles to said longitudinal bars within the lower portion of said slab, said bars being continued through the upper portion of said apron and forming a reenforcement therefor, supports for the upper portion of said slab in the form of struts at spaced intervals, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, and cantilever beams connecting said footings with said cut-off wall and slab.

10. A reenforced concrete structure having an inclined slab, a support for the forward edge of said slab comprising a continuous cut-off wall extending into the earth, an apron formed as a horizontal continuation of said slab and merging with the upper portion of said cut-olf wall, longitudinal reenforcing bars at spaced intervals in said inclined slab, reenforcing bars at right angles to said longitudinal bars within the lower porl tion of said slab, said bars being continued through said inclined slab, reenforcing bars at right angles to said longitudinal bars within the lower portion of said slab, one series of said bars being continued through the upper portion of said apron and an- 'other series of said bars being continued through the forward portion of saidvcut-of wall and forming a reenforcement of said apron and wall, respectively, supports for the upper portion of said slab in the form of struts at spaced intervals, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, and cantilever beams connecting said footings with said cut-off wall and slab.

12. A reenforced concrete structure having an inclined slab, a support for the forward edge of said slab comprising a continuous cutfoff wall extending into the earth, supports for the upper portion of said slab in the form of struts at spaced intervals, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, cantilever beams connecting said footings with A'said cut-off wall and slab, an apron extending forwardly as a continuation of said slab with its upper surface in the plane of said cantilever beams, reenforcing bars extending downwardly through said slab and through said apron, and reenforcing bars extending through the upper portion of said cantilever beams and through said apron.

13. A reenforced concrete structure having an inclined slab, a support for the forward edge of said slab comprising a continuous cut-olf wall extending into the earth, supports for the upper portion of said slab in the form of struts at spaced intervals, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, cantilever beams connecting said footings with said cut-off wall and slab, an apron extending forwardly as a continuation of said slab with its upper surface in the plane of said cantilever beams, reenforcing bars extending downwardly through said slab and through said apron, reenforcing bars extending downwardly through said slab and into the forward portion of said cut-off wall, and' reenforcing bars extending through the upper portion of said cantilever beams and through said apron.

14. A reenforced concrete structure having an inclined slab, a support for the forward edge of said slab comprising a continuous cut-off wall extending into the earth, `supports for the upper portion of said slab in the form of struts at spaced intervals, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, cantilever beams connecting said footings with said cut-off wall and slab, and a depression formed along a portion of the upper edge of said slab to provide a spillway.

l5. A reenforced concrete structure having an inclined slab, a support for the forward edge of said slab comprising acontinuous cut-off wall extending into the earth, supports for the upper portion of said slab in the form of struts at spaced intervals, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, cantilever beams connecting said footings with said cut-off wall and slab, a depression formed along a portion of the upper edge of said slab to provide a spillway, and a concrete sluicevvay formed integrally with the lower portions or the structure beneath said spillway.

16. A reenforced concrete structure having an inclined slab, a support for the forward edge of said slab comprising a continuous cut-off wall extending into the earth, an integral longitudinal girder formed on theslab above said forward edge,

struts at spaced intervals connected with said integral longitudinal girder, reenforced concrete footings beneath said struts, longitudinal tie members connecting said respective footings, canti lever beams connecting said footings with said cut-off wall and slab, a depression formedalong a portion of the upper edge or" said slab to provide a spillway, and a concrete sluiceway formed integrally with the lower portion of the struts and resting upon said longitudinal tie members, footings, and adjacent cantilever beams.

CLARENCE H. ROY. 

